Barred Owl at Downsview Park

[nickitka]

Hello everyone,

Today was a very foggy day at Downsview Park.  In the morning I saw 2 red tailed hawks, the highlight of the day was at around 5:00.  I saw a Snowy Owl sitting on top of the Sports Hangar (75 Carl Hall Road).   A lot of Owls in Downsview Park this year, very exciting.  I took some pictures but I didn't have a good zoom.

Jonny

Great news! Thank you! I will come this weekend and try to take pictures.

[Martin]

There is a web site on-line for "Downsview Park" with a good PDF map, list of birds, mammals, plants etc. I have not been there since it was a CFB many years ago,  thanks for the info, will certainly head there now with my binocs.

http://downsviewpark.ca/

[SA Birder]

Hi Jonny,

I walked part of the Downsview Park this morning, after the crazy rush hour and storm.  Weather held up for the most part of the hour I strolled around, not really knowing where to go.  I followed a few trails from the parking area on Cunuck, starting with one that has big green things on either side.  I made it to the little lake I never knew about.  I saw two Red-tailed Hawks flew over.  One Mockingbird, a couple Chickadees, lots of Juncos and Tree Sparrows, and a Hairy Woodpecker were seen in the wooded area just south of that parking area.

Thank you Jonny - this is such fun news - heading back today and hope to have your good luck!

[Napper]

Yesterday (Friday) at lunch time I spotted 4 Red-Tail Hawks soaring close proximity to each other
near the new lake at Downsview park. Was impressive to see them hover stationary into the wind
with out wingbeats.

There is also a Mocking bird hanging out along the fence (tracks) eating berries.
On Thursday it was pointed out to me on the ground all puffed up
trying to stay warm. Some of the guys have been throwing apple pieces for it to feed on.

napper

[nickitka]

Hi,

We were at Downsview Park today in the afternoon. Saw 3 or 4 Red-Tailed Hawks, one American Kestrel, and a flock of black-eyed juncos with a couple of sparrows. Also we saw one mouse =) Unfortunately, we could not find any owls =)

[cmshucks]

I just got back from Downsview Park and saw the Barred Owl. It had me running all over the place while it was hunting but I finally got a good look while it stopped to eat. Unfortunately, it landed in the tree inside the orange fence so I couldn't get close enough to take a picture. It then flew off to the residential area. I went to the hanger but did not spot the snowy owl.

[SA Birder]

Thanks for the news cmshucks - I have visited a few times and missed the owls (all three species recently spotted) so am delighted to know the Barred is still around - !

[Flyingbass]

I was out with a group on Friday and saw the Barred Owl in the William Baker woodlot.  I haven't seen the Snowy owl since its original sighting.  Today I did see a Kestrel and 2 Red tail Hawks chasing each other.  I also saw a Mocking bird a couple of times.   If anyone wants to come on a walk this Sat. check other posts for details!

[Rob'in'To]

Perhaps some may give this a browse before venturing out and seeking Owls in Downsview or any place else?  It is great to see these birds but there comes a point when a person should step away and leave the bird be.  Not meaning to be Mr. Buzz Kill, please enjoy any Owl sightings...  just respectfully.  A good lot of them are here because they are hungry, if not starving.

http://www.ttpbrs.ca/2012/01/owls-at-to ... -park.html

[Rotarran]

Perhaps some may give this a browse before venturing out and seeking Owls in Downsview or any place else?  It is great to see these birds but there comes a point when a person should step away and leave the bird be.  Not meaning to be Mr. Buzz Kill, please enjoy any Owl sightings...  just respectfully.  A good lot of them are here because they are hungry, if not starving.

http://www.ttpbrs.ca/2012/01/owls-at-to ... -park.html

Yeah you have a good point.  Owls and BoP's in general seem to really want to be left alone and I for one have kinda put spotting and photographing them on the backburner.  If I see them, great, but if I don't, I'm not going to bust my tail anymore ... there are too many song birds and ducks that just love to pose for photos.

[cmshucks]

I am not a photographer but have a good set of binoculars so I don't need to get close. I think the owl had no idea I was there. I think we need to be respectful of all the city's wildlife. I think most of us on here do that.